Surrounded by Care: Honoring the Life of Sarah Acosta
When Beth Weddell and Kelly Rizer’s best friend of more than 35 years, Sarah, received devastating news at just 47 years old, life changed in an instant. After only six months of treatment, Sarah’s cancer had become unresponsive, and doctors had no further options to offer. As she became weaker, and her young daughter being her primary caregiver at home, it became clear that Sarah needed hospice care.
Making that decision was incredibly difficult, but it soon became clear it was the right one. “Kelly was very instrumental in getting hospice care for Sarah. She didn’t take no for an answer, and the staff tremendously helped get Sarah there when she needed it most,” Beth shares.
From the moment Sarah arrived, Compass surrounded her with compassion. The hospice team welcomed not only Sarah, but also her entire entourage, creating a space where everyone felt supported, guided, and cared for. Compass gave Sarah’s daughter, family and close friends what they needed to care for Sarah, offering comfort, education, and reassurance, so they could focus on what mattered most: being present with the woman they loved.
“I personally spent the night with Sarah for a few nights, so I got to see firsthand care 24/7,” Beth explains. “The staff and caregivers are so very special, and they took such good care of my dear friend for six days until she left us here on earth.”
The caregivers treated Sarah with gentleness and grace, ensuring she was comfortable, peaceful, and never alone. For six meaningful days, hospice allowed Sarah the comfort she needed, surrounded by love, dignity, and compassion.
“Even in the hours after Sarah was no longer with us, the staff was so kind and gave us the space and time needed to say our goodbyes,” Beth shares.
Time to sit with her. Time to grieve. Time to say goodbye; without being rushed and without feeling alone.
From the front office, front desk and especially the caregivers at Sarah’s bedside, every member of the Compass team played a role in supporting the family through one of the most heartbreaking chapters of their lives. Despite the circumstances, they created an atmosphere filled with warmth, grace, and comfort.
“In one of the most terrible times in all our lives, Compass really helped support us, and our dear friend Sarah,” Beth says.
Sarah’s beautiful spirit, generous heart, and joyful energy touched everyone she met. She was deeply loved by her community and will be forever remembered. Sarah was deeply loved by her children and by everyone who knew her. She had a way of making people feel cared for, and her presence filled every room with warmth. As her family and friends gathered around her during her final days, it was clear just how much she meant to so many.
Hospice is not about giving up. It is about comfort, quality of life, and being present when it matters most. Because of Compass, Sarah’s final days were filled with comfort, care, and love, and those moments became lasting memories for all who loved her.